Sustainability

UNC Charlotte is one of four “large category” finalists for the 2014 Wells Fargo Green Awards for its zero-waste initiative in Richardson Stadium, and the public can vote for the winner.

The Wells Fargo Green Awards recognize member companies who have incorporated innovative, sustainable practices in the products they produce, the services they provide and within the culture of their company.

The Charlotte 49ers football team is into its second season, which means for home games in Richardson Stadium, the focus is on zero waste.
Last year’s efforts resulted in new initiatives for 2014, according to Brad Green, director of catering and special services for Chartwells, the University’s contracted food vendor.

The Energy and Environmental Assistance Office has released the winners of its July and August raffles, which were incentive to faculty and staff members to help improve Charlotte air quality during the summer ozone season.

UNC Charlotte is the recipient of the inaugural Air Compliance Excellence Award from the Mecklenburg County Air Quality (MCAQ); the honor is for local industry air quality permit compliance, pollution reduction and air quality improvement. 

During the past fiscal year, the campus community recycled more than 100,000 pounds of paper, with even more in glass, plastic and aluminum. In fact, the University’s waste diversion rate was approximately 40 percent, which means more than 2.3 million pounds of recyclables avoided being sent to landfills.
The Office of Waste Recycling and Reduction spearheads the University’s efforts to control the campus’ ecological footprint, and it can provide departments/offices/units to make recycling easier.

The Energy and Environmental Assistance Office has released the June winners of its annual raffles, an incentive to faculty and staff members to help improve Charlotte air quality during the summer ozone season.

Duke Energy’s sustainability team recently visited UNC Charlotte to learn more about the campus’ sustainability initiatives.

Regina Guyer, executive director of the University’s Environmental Assistance Office, and Karyn Williamson-Coria, administrative support specialist, were recognized recently for their outreach efforts to raise awareness about air quality issues.

Michael Lizotte is the University sustainability officer, which is part of the Facilities Management Department in the Division for Business Affairs.

The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling will coordinate a campus-wide cleanup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31, in conjunction with Campus Sustainability Week. In addition, there will be a fall tree planting.
 
The Student Government Association and EARTH Club are organizing student volunteers, and Chancellor Philip L. Dubois has authorized 90 minutes of release time for all faculty and staff members who are interested in volunteering in this effort. Participation must be approved by supervisors based upon the office/department/unit needs.